This might be the weirdest festival line-up of 2025 with...

South by Southwest has just unveiled a weird but truly wonderful London line up, including the likes of Katherine Ryan, Joe Wicks and Wyclef Jean. We’ve got whiplash from all the genres of fun on offer here, but the festival prides itself on bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders. In June the festival will take over venues, galleries, clubs and spaces around Shoreditch in east London.

Idris Elba, Tems and wellness guru Deepak Chopra are also among the first wave of speakers and performers announced for the Shoreditch festival, taking place on June 2 to 7. Luther actor Idris, 52, will be showcasing his ‘multiple endeavours’ as an actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and musician over the weekend, while Grammy Award-winning musician Tems is the music headliner. Grammy Award-winning Wycleaf Jean – behind songs including Sweetest Girl, Wish You Were Here and Perfect Gentleman – will appear to discuss his charitable work and use of new technology in composing music.

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Making its European debut in London, SXSW is not strictly a music festival, but more a convergence of industry and thought leaders, with talks, music and screen alongside a focus on new themes including visual arts and fashion. Discussions are set to explore themes including innovation, society, robotics and AI. Abbey Road Studios will bring Abbey Road: Studio Four to the festival; a new concept encompassing live music, conversations and immersive experiences.

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Alex Hirschi, Founder/Creator, Supercar Blondie. Ben Lamm, Co-founder & CEO, Colossal Biosciences. Callum “Callux” McGinley, Founder & Creator, The notwoways & After Party Studios. Deepak Chopra, NYT bestselling author and alternative medicine advocate. Idris Elba, actor, filmmaker, philanthropist, musician and founder of IE7 & The Akuna Group. James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing. Jean-Michel Jarre, artist and electronic music pioneer.

Joe Wicks MBE, fitness coach, entrepreneur, and author. Katherine Ryan, Comedian. Wyclef Jean, award-winning producer and performer. On the music front, SXSW looks into underground new music scenes from the London perspective, with each venue aiming to become a gateway into a different new music movement. Tems will take the stage on 5 June 2025 at the Troxy. A limited number of general admission tickets go on sale on 4th March 2025, with a reserved allotment available exclusively for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders.